Music review: Matchbox Twenty "North" (with audio)

It’s been 10 years since Matchbox Twenty last put out a full-length studio album of new material. But time apart as a band doesn’t seem to be an issue on “North.”

Frontman Rob Thomas wrote six of the songs for the new album on his own. On the first single, “She’s So Mean,” the band sounds a little more poppy than usual, but still enough like Matchbox Twenty not to alienate any longtime fans. The pop-infused vibe continues on “Put Your Hands Up” and “Radio.” Thomas took a similar approach on his solo albums and seems to be adding it to the Matchbox Twenty formula.

And why not? Thomas is a hit-maker, whether it’s on his own or with his band. It only makes sense to combine the two. Thomas probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves as a songwriter. No matter how radio-friendly a Matchbox Twenty song is, Thomas isn’t opposed to sneaking in lyrics that tell a well-crafted story. His ability helps set the band apart from Train and other similar-sounding mom rock playing from minivan speakers.

“I Will” puts Thomas’ lyrics on display as the band’s somewhat generic rock sound is pared down to a simple acoustic guitar and piano. It’s too bad this didn’t happen more on this release. No matter how great Thomas’ lyrics can be or how poppy the band can get, the songs on “North” fall back to being over-simplified rock.